Moving to Florida? Buying or selling a car? Inheriting one? Or maybe this is your first time handling a title or registration in the Sunshine State?
Regardless of the situation, Florida's process for registering a vehicle and transferring its title can feel difficult at first. But don’t worry, we’re here to make it simple and stress-free.
Here’s your best step-by-step plan for getting it done, minus the confusion (and the DMV headaches).
Step 1: Get Your Car Title
A good way to set yourself up for success before you start driving in Florida is get the title in your name. Think of it as the document that proves, “Yes, this car is officially mine.”
Here’s how it works in different scenarios:
When Buying from a Private Seller
The seller will need to sign the title over to you. Make sure the title includes:
Their signature.
The odometer reading.
The purchase price (important for calculating sales tax)
When Inheriting a Car
Bring the title and legal documents (like a will, probate documents, or death certificate) to prove your claim.
Just Moved to Florida
You’ll need to transfer your out-of-state title to Florida when registering your car. It’s all part of making your vehicle officially “Florida legal.”
Step 2: Car Registration
Once the title is sorted, the next step is registering your vehicle. Registration is what gets you a license plate, a registration sticker, and the legal right to drive your car on public roads.
Here’s what you’ll need to register your vehicle in Florida:
Your title (or proof that the title transfer is in progress).
Florida insurance policy that must meet state requirements.
A Florida driver’s license or ID card.
Payment for registration fees (which depends on the weight of your car) plus a one-time $225 initial registration fee if your car hasn’t been registered in Florida before.
How Often Do You Renew?
Note that you’ll need to renew your registration every year. It’s all quick and easy.
Deadlines You Can’t Miss
Timing matters when it comes to title transfers and registration. Here are the key deadlines to remember:
If you are New to Florida
You have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state title and register your vehicle once you officially establish residency.
When Buying or Inheriting a Car
Complete the title transfer and registration within 30 days to avoid late fees.
What It Costs: A Quick Breakdown
Here’s an idea of what you’ll be paying during the process:
Title Transfer Fee: Around $75.25 (varies if there are liens involved).
Registration Fees: Start at $27.60 and increase based on your vehicle’s weight.
Initial Registration Fee: $225 (only if your car has never been registered in Florida).
Sales Tax: Calculated based on the purchase price of the car, minus any applicable trade-in.
When coming to Broward Auto Tags for help, you can bring proof of the sale price (like a bill of sale) to avoid delays with calculating taxes.
What If You’re Selling a Car?
If you’re on the other side of the process and selling your car, you will:
Fill out a notice of sale form that protects you from future liabilities (like unpaid tickets or accidents involving the car after the sale).
Sign over the title, date it, and include the odometer reading.
It’s Easier Than You Think
Whether you’re moving to Florida, buying your first car, or selling one, getting your title and registration sorted is an important step.
It might seem complicated at first, but with the right information and a little help from us, it’s actually pretty simple.
Need Help? Let Auto Tags of East Broward Do the Heavy Lifting
At Auto Tags of East Broward, we help you secure title transfers, register your out-of-state vehicles, and provide other consultation and East Broward DMV alternative services in South Florida. Don’t waste your time at any other East Broward tag agencies when you can stop by East Broward Auto Tags. We specialize in all things East Broward tag and title, including East Broward tag renewals, and more.
Check out these great resources if you are interested in learning more about title transfers and registrations:
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